Asked if he understands why that frustrates some people, he replied: “I can see why people criticise us for earning good money for doing what we enjoy.

"You can never really justify wages in the entertainment business, but it is what it is.”

Asked if he would take a pay cut if asked, Lineker told British GQ: “I took a pay cut the last time and I understood why.​”

Speaking in the September issue of the magazine, Lineker also put the boot in alcohol sponsorship in sport.

He said: “Don’t like it. I have turned down deals with alcohol firms over the years. I do not agree with it.

"The other thing that worries me is all the betting advertising and sponsorship in sport. All you ever see is commercials for gambling and apps, it is really dangerous, and I think we need to do something about both of them, alcohol and gambling.